Shortly after the House Natural Resources Committee moved forward with a budget that includes selloffs of national public lands, Forbes published an article highlighting five ways summer vacations rely on public lands across the country. At the top of the list? River experiences!
Imagine losing access to your favorite rivers in California, the quiet spots where you cool off during a hike, where you cast your fishing line, or the stunning riverbanks where wildlife thrives. This could become a reality for many Californians as federal public lands along several popular rivers are being eyed for potential sale to developers.
“Many people don’t realize that our big rivers are a form of public lands, which is why the public gets to canoe, raft, tube, and fish on them. […] Without protected public access, rivers can easily be privatized and fenced off.”
Let’s take a closer look at the precious landscapes that could be at risk:
Photo above: Bob Wick
Sacramento River Bend Area 🎣🥾🚵♀️🐴
This 18,000-acre area along the Sacramento River north of Red Bluff is a true gem for outdoor recreation. Imagine boating 🚤, fishing 🎣, hunting 🦌, hiking 🥾, mountain biking 🚵♀️, and enjoying equestrian activities 🐴. Beyond recreation, this area is critical habitat for endangered salmon 🐟 and various other sensitive wildlife, as well as rare plants 🌿.
South Yuba River Recreation Area 🏊♀️🛶🏕️
Photo: Steve Evans
The South Yuba River, north of Nevada City, is northern California’s cherished “swimming” river 🏊♀️. It also offers thrilling opportunities for whitewater kayaking 🛶, scenic hiking 🥾, peaceful camping 🏕️, hunting 🦌, and rewarding fishing 🎣. This 6,685-acre area includes part of the 15-mile South Yuba National Recreation Trail. Notably, the river flowing through the BLM lands is a state-designated Wild and Scenic River and is recommended for federal protection.
South Fork American River Recreation Area 🚣♀️🏞️🚴♂️
The South Fork American River, north of Placerville, is renowned as the most popular whitewater river in the West 🚣♀️, providing class III boating experiences for up to 100,000 people each year! Over the past few decades, the BLM has acquired lands to ensure public access, establishing popular destinations like Cronan and Magnolia Ranch Regional Park. In addition to whitewater boating access, the 6,365 acres of BLM land along the river feature an extensive trail system loved by hikers 🥾, mountain bikers 🚴♂️, and equestrians 🐴.
Big Morongo Canyon Preserve 🐦🦋🌵
Located north of Palm Springs, the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve encompasses approximately 3,700 acres of BLM-managed public lands. Its lush riparian habitat in the arid desert makes it an internationally recognized birding site 🐦 and an important wildlife linkage 🦋 connecting Joshua Tree National Park with the San Bernardino Mountains ⛰️. Unfortunately, the Preserve’s protection is currently only administrative, meaning these BLM lands could be identified for potential sale to developers.
Mission Creek 🦅🏞️🚶♀️
Mission Creek, northwest of Palm Springs, flows from the San Bernardino Mountains into the Coachella Valley. This vital waterway provides critical habitat for endangered and sensitive bird species 🦅, including the Southwestern willow flycatcher, least Bell’s vireo, and yellow warbler. The iconic Pacific Crest Trail 🚶♀️ parallels and crosses the creek on its 2,600-mile journey. The BLM has recognized Mission Creek as eligible for National Wild and Scenic River protection due to its outstanding wildlife and recreation values.
Much of the public land along the creek was generously donated to the BLM for conservation 💚 by the Wildlands Conservancy.
Cosumnes River Preserve 🌳🛶👀🦌🥾
Photo: Bob Wick
This expansive 50,000-acre preserve south of Sacramento is a collaborative effort involving the BLM, California Department of Fish and Wildlife 🐟, The Nature Conservancy 🌎, and other agencies. The Preserve was established to protect crucial wildlife habitat and provide outdoor recreation opportunities, including wildlife viewing 👀, hiking 🥾, and boating 🛶, for Sacramento residents. It boasts the largest protected valley oak forest 🌳 in the state. The BLM owns and operates the Preserve’s visitor center. The potential sale of BLM lands to developers would severely undermine the integrity of this vital preserve.
Santa Margarita River 🐦🏞️🐾
This rare southern California river flows west through Riverside and San Diego Counties to the Pacific Ocean 🌊. Located near the rapidly urbanizing communities of Temecula and Fallbrook, the river flows through public lands managed by the BLM, as well as preserve lands managed by San Diego State University and San Diego County. The river’s lush riparian habitat is home to a significant population of the least Bell’s vireo (an endangered songbird 🐦), and biologists are studying ways to restore the endangered southern steelhead trout 🐟 in this region. This river serves as the only undeveloped landscape linkage 🐾 allowing wildlife to migrate between the Santa Ana Mountains to the north and San Diego’s Peninsular Ranges to the south. Popular trails along the river are enjoyed by local residents 🚶♀️.
